Ramifications of the socialisation process on institutionalised girl children

Family is the primary social institution within the society, and every child learns the preliminary footprints of socialisation through their family. Children perform well within a safe and nurtured family environment. Though fundamental needs of children emphasises the importance of a safe family environment for them, there are many children who are deprived of these fundamental needs. There is no substitute for natural families and even the deprived children need to be nurtured in a safe environment to enhance their socialisation process. Institutionalised care provides permanent and semi-permanent residential support for the socially vulnerable children in lieu of their wellbeing. In the Sri Lankan context, children who are deprived of parental care or who are in need of alternative care are referred by court order or through probation office. These children are placed in foster care homes and children's homes to ensure their safety and security. The focal view point of this study is to identify the ramifications of the socialisation process on institutionalised girl children. The main objective of this study is to examine the social relationships of institutionalised girl children and its impact on their overall socialisation process. The study used a qualitative research methodology to gather primary data through case studies, semi-structured interviews, observations and key person's interviews. The findings of this study disclose the need for introducing effective solutions on the socially deprived institutionalised girl children towards child-friendly policymaking, providing quality institutionalised care and suggesting alternative care options to ensure the best interest of children in Sri Lanka.